Power tussle brews: North Central wants Shettima’s seat as APC denies Tinubu’s 2027 replacement plan

DDM News

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has denied claims that President Bola Tinubu plans to replace Vice President Shettima.

The party described the speculation as unfounded and without merit as gathered by Diaspora Digital Media (DDM).

Some supporters of President Tinubu have already started mobilising for his potential re-election in 2027.

However, the president has not officially declared his interest in seeking a second term.

Concerns have emerged in opposition circles regarding Shettima’s political strength in the North.

They fear he may not significantly boost Tinubu’s chances in the region during the 2027 elections.

Speaking to Daily Trust, APC’s National Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, described the rumours as “baseless.”

He dismissed the talks as “pure speculation” and “beer-parlour conversations.”

Ibrahim emphasised that such a decision cannot be taken by the president alone.

He explained it would require wide consultations with key political stakeholders.

Ibrahim stressed there is no rift between Tinubu and Shettima.

He said the rumours are attempts to create division within the APC.

Meanwhile, North Central political leaders have renewed their demand for high-level national representation.

They are pushing for the presidency or vice presidency to be zoned to their region in 2027.

Leaders from Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, Niger, Kogi, and Kwara states held a meeting in Abuja.

The meeting was led by Professor Nghargbu K’tso.

They called on major political parties to consider their region in the zoning arrangements.

They argued that if Tinubu is given the right of first refusal, the vice presidency should go to North Central.

Professor K’tso said the North Central and South East have never produced a democratically elected president or vice president.

He said this demand is based on fairness and inclusion.

The region seeks recognition as a full stakeholder in national politics.

K’tso stated they don’t want to be viewed as political appendages anymore.

He urged parties to correct the long-standing imbalance in political representation.

In response, Bala Ibrahim dismissed the North Central leaders’ demands.

He described the calls as “unrealistic” and “dead on arrival.”

Ibrahim claimed similar demands have been made in the past without success.

He said the region’s political contributions do not justify such a claim.

He noted that the North West has consistently delivered more votes to the APC.

According to him, North Central’s demands only create unnecessary political tension.

He described them as irrational and politically divisive.

The APC insists that it is too early for such discussions.

Party officials continue to maintain that the president and vice president are united.

Despite this, political stakeholders are already positioning themselves ahead of 2027.

Regional lobbying and early realignments are beginning to surface across the country.qq

The political atmosphere is heating up, even without official declarations.

The next general election promises to bring significant political negotiations and competition.

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